Despite the coronavirus pandemic, 25 extraordinary young people from across the UK are being recognised with the coveted British Citizen Youth Award (BCyA).

One of them is Montgomery Lord from Preston.

Advertisements

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the usual ceremony is unable to take place, so Montgomery and the remaining 24 medalists will receive their BCyA medals by courier with a video message from some of the Patrons and an invitation to the House of Lords, when it is safe to go.

Read more: Preston North End to deliver festive hampers to vulnerable members of community 

Montgomery, known as Monty has volunteered within the community and increased awareness of national and international issues.

He was instrumental in the setting up of the UK registered charity, Young Active Minds and acted as an ambassador for the charity, sharing memory techniques with children and young people to promote new, fun and effective learning.

Monty’s first piece of research was a 55,000 word thesis at the age of 14.  This was done entirely in his own time and his research engaged many schools across Greater Manchester. This research was able to show statistically that the use of bedtime technology adversely impacts a person’s internal clock.

Read more: Support grant announced for Preston residents with low incomes being hit hard by coronavirus

He then went on to conduct another ground breaking piece of research into the effects of Coronavirus isolation on the mental health and wellbeing of children, young people and their families and friends. 

The results of this were shared with CAMHS (Children & Adults Mental Health Services) Digital at the University of Manchester and Monty himself appeared live on an official NHS England webinar to present his findings.

This project of Monty’s engaged almost double the number of children compared to his first and the results are being used by the NHS to help provide a better understanding in the effects of Covid-19 on young people.

Read more: Preston, South Ribble, Wyre, Fylde and Ribble Valley coronavirus infection rate latest as UK passes sombre Covid milestone

Co-Founder of The British Citizen Youth Award, Mike Faulkner said: “Whilst it is bitterly disappointing not be able to present these young people with their medals in person, we are determined to recognise them for their exceptional endeavours. They will still have the full British Citizen Youth Award experience when we can safely gather indoors in larger numbers. 

“The 25 medalists represent all that is good about young people today. Their commitment to others and to making society better for everyone, was the driving force for us to unite them with their medals at the earliest opportunity.

The latest news updates in your area can be seen below bl

“Whilst some recognition programmes are regarded as elitist, the BCyA remains accessible to everyone and welcomes nominations year-round. By highlighting the commitment of young people like Montgomery we aim to make positive impact in the community the norm rather than the exception”.

Proud Preston. This, and many stories like it, show how the people of Preston are making a difference. Our Proud Preston section showcases all the charitable, kind, uplifting and great things about our city and the people who live here. #ProudPreston is alive and well, and there’s much to celebrate and be proud of, despite the challenging times we all face.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines